5-year-old St. George boy dies after being run over

Five-year-old Bennett Hammon, of St. George, died Sunday after being runover by a truck, photo location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Bennett Hammon GoFundMe, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — A 5-year-old St. George boy died Sunday after being run over by his father while visiting the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area with his family.

Bennett Hammon with his brother, photo location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Bennett Hammon GoFundMe, St. George News

The boy has been identified by his family as Bennett Hammon. He had just started kindergarten in August.

At approximately 11:20 a.m. Sunday, National Park Service dispatch received a call that a 5-year-old boy had been run over by a vehicle at Lone Rock Beach and that CPR was being performed, according to a statement issued by the National Park Service.

“NPS employees responded immediately and found the child with severe traumatic injuries,” park officials said, adding that emergency responders continued CPR and began life-saving efforts on the child.

An air medical helicopter was also dispatched to the scene. Just before noon, the child was transported by Classic Aviation to the Page Hospital, where he died at approximately 2:45 p.m., park service officials said.

The boy’s father, Benjamin Hammon, posted about the tragic accident on Facebook.

As many of you have heard. This last weekend my small family was in Lake Powell enjoying the end of summer. After a fun filled morning, we were packing up to leave when my son Bennett started building a sand castle in front of my truck. I jumped in (and) checked to see where the kids were. thinking I saw them all with their mom I pulled forward. Bennett was killed instantly. This little human has touched so many hearts that it’s impossible for us to contact everyone.

His father added that Bennett’s funeral services will be held this weekend in St. George.

“Our dear friends Ben and Amanda are dealing with a tragedy no parents should have to walk through,” Callister wrote on the page. “As friends, we are starting this gofundme account to help relieve the family of any financial stresses so they can morn and be together – focused on each other rather than money. Please help however you can – even if that just means reposting this.”

Authorities said Tuesday evening the incident remains under investigation by the National Park Service.

This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or other emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!

About the Author

Kimberly Scott is a lifetime resident of Southern Utah. In 2013, Kimberly joined St. George News as a vital member of its editing, reporting and administrative team. She is passionate about engaging communities through writing and is dedicated to providing complete and accurate coverage of both anticipated and breaking news.

mmsandie: He is not a neglectful father… he checked to make sure his kids were with their mother and they all totally could have been. Do you know how quickly a little person can dart in front of a vehicle?! It would be different if he was speeding around without a care. I’m sure the boy’s dad is experiencing enough pain and resentment as it is. No need to pour salt on the wound. Try to have some perspective and let the poor man have his dignity.

I agree with Kyle L and Eliza whole heartedly!!! mmsandie you have come up with some off the wall things before but I think this takes the cake!!! I hope nothing ever happens to anyone in your family and has to read something like what you wrote it disgusting!!! And that makes you disgusting!!!

ladybugavenger, reading mmsandie’s comment made my head hurt trying to translate it too. It drives me nuts that people don’t proofread. And, I agree with Kyle L and Eliza, too. Kids are quick, and can be out of sight in no time flat. mmsandie’s comment was just mean spirited.